NORWAY — Purple bows are once again adorning bridges in Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties, prompting people to ask questions and start discussions about their meaning. That’s exactly what the folks at Safe Voices were hoping would happen when they first came up with the idea. Three years ago, the purple mesh ribbons first went up […]
Safe Voices
Posted inFranklin
Domestic Violence Awareness Month being observed
FARMINGTON — Purple ribbons in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness month went up Friday on Center Bridge. It was one of several activities planned this month in Franklin, Oxford and Androscoggin counties. Hillary Hooke, Franklin County community educator for Safe Voices, with help from Farmington Police Chief Jack Peck, tied three ribbons to bridge posts […]
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Posted inBusiness
Johansen named executive director at Safe Voices
LEWISTON — Safe Voices, the Lewiston-based domestic violence resource center, announces the selection of Elise Johansen as the agency’s new executive director. Johansen was selected after a regional search to replace outgoing Director Jane Morrison, who announced her retirement in January. Johansen has more than 13 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, from […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Oxford Hills
Getting ‘hit’ at the Newry town meeting
NEWRY — I arrived Tuesday night to cover Newry’s town meeting and took a seat on a bench along the wall between fire Chief Bruce Pierce and a pretty young woman wearing gray suede knee-high boots. About halfway through the meeting, the woman tapped me on the shoulder and asked, “Can I hit you?” Then […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Roxbury residents approve $58,650 of engineering work at annual town meeting
ROXBURY — Residents voted Monday evening to allow the town to raise and appropriate $58,650 in engineering work. The money is for a new salt and sand shed, $16,400; a new retaining wall at Ellis Pond, $6,650; a new bridge on Main Street, $19,000; and dry hydrants, $16,600. Several residents voiced dissatisfaction with how much money […]
Posted inAdvertiser Democrat, Lewiston-Auburn
Safe Voices’ director stepping down
AUBURN — After five years at the helm of Central Maine’s domestic violence response and prevention group, Executive Director Jane Morrison said it’s time to step down. “They say you kind of know when it’s time,” Morrison said. “I want to be able to enjoy some other things while I’m still healthy and young enough […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Candlelight vigil in Dixfield honors domestic violence victims
DIXFIELD — Several residents and police officers from the River Valley area gathered Monday evening at the Dixfield Village Green gazebo for a candlelight vigil to recognize victims of domestic violence. The vigil was organized by Safe Voices, a nonprofit organization that supports those affected by domestic violence in Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties. As […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Candlelight vigil remembers victims of abuse
LEWISTON — “My boyfriend, after our breakup, had decided that it was too much to handle, so he wrapped his hands around my neck and tried to gain back control over his life — by squeezing it out of mine.” Tieasha Campbell of Lewiston told her story to a crowd of survivors, supporters and community […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Safe Voices hosting annual walk in support of ending domestic violence on Oct. 15
RUMFORD — For the third consecutive year, the Safe Voices organization is hosting a walk at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, in support of ending domestic violence. Diane Gallagher of Safe Voices said Monday that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, adding that police Chief Stacy Carter and the Oxford County Domestic Violence Task Force […]